ONI Bureau: The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has established early leads as the counting is underway in Bijepur Bypoll. BJD candidate Rita Sahu is leading over BJP candidate Ashok Panigrahi by over 15075 votes at the end of 7th round.
Rita Sahu has polled 38,814 votes, while Ashok Panigrahi has garnered 23,739 votes so far. Congress candidate Pranaya Sahu has received just 2083 votes and NOTA-667.
Counting will be held in 21 rounds. BJP is hopeful of a better show when the EVMs of Gaisilat and Bijepur will be opened.